Department of Textiles, Fashion Merchandising and Design
Spring Splash '07!
Following successful events in 2004 , 2005, and 2006, the Department held its fourth Spring Splash Fundraiser. The event featured a show of fashions by the best of the designers amongst the department's majors. The event celebrated the department's ties with Industry, recognized achievements of its alumnae, and distributed scholarships to deserving students.
More than 200 people attended the event in URI's Memorial Union following a reception at the University Club sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Glenn Palmer. The event raised money to support Student scholarships. Aeropostale took the lead in sponsoring the event, donating $5,000 for student scholarships. TJX, and Spardello's were also major sponsors. URI's President Robert Carothers was in attendance, along with Provost Beverly Swan.
The Fashion show itself, with the theme of "Fashion a la Mode" featured more than 100 designs by 30 designers. It was judged by Diane Joyce Montenegro, Grants Administrator for the Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation in Boston, and by Advisory Board members Christine Laudon and Claudia Iannuccilli. Thanks also to the judges who selected the designs that took part in the show: URI professor emerita Joy Emery, and TMD alum Tracy Freedman.
While judging was taking place, the Department introduced three new members to its “Wall of Fame” of successful alumnae. Jennifer Hsiu, Michelle (Burchill) Jonason, and Shala Ranieri were inducted.
We took the opportunity to thank those who have given support to our program. Aeropostale is a mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 11 to 18 year-old young women and men. Aéropostale designins, markets, and sells all of its own merchandise. The first Aéropostale store was opened in 1987: there are now more than 700. McKay's furniture has provided fine furniture in North Kingstown, Rhode Island for over 100 years. Kerry McKay, class of ’71 and grandson of founder Ken McKay Sr., joined the Textile Advisory Board and eventually served as chairman. Kerry has spoken to classes, arranged for internships in the store, and hired TMD graduates. The company made a significant donation towards remodeling a space in Quinn Hall for a Textile Gallery. Last spring TMD and URI's French Department developed a plan to promote “double majors” in TMD and a “fashion” language. Through the spectacular recruiting efforts of Alain-Philippe Durand and Claire Kapstein, so far seven students decided to major in both French and TMD. Several other students have declared a minor in French. Plans for these students include participation in study abroad programs in France and internships at French fashion companies.
Money raised from last year's event was presented to 4 students in the form of $1000 scholarships. Recipients were Lydia Troiano, Katie Baker, Sheyenne Desilliers and Katharine Marcaurele. Linda Welters continued her generous funding of a scholarhsip to support study abroad: the award went to Casey Wood
The winners of the fashion show were announced. First place and a prize of $1000 went to Maegan Whitford, a senior from Exeter RI. Sara Baird (Milton, MA) won second place ($750), Alison van Hemelrijck (Narragansett, RI) won third place ($500). Kelly Keough (Providence, RI) and Jennifer Hanover (Watertown CT) received honorable mentions ($250). Leah Jaffe won the Spardello's award
Thanks are due to....Karl Aspelund – graphic designer, Alain-Philippe Durand – music, Susan Hannel – fashion show coordinator, Claire Kapstein - Master of Ceremonies, Yvette Harps-Logan –reception and dinner, Valerie Morgan-Addison –mailing and tickets, Abby Lillethun – scene designer, Margaret Ordoñez –judges, Linda Welters – scholarships, invitation and brochure text, TMD 355 (Draping) students – stage decoration, TMD 442 (Fashion Promotion) students – advertising, decoration, Student assistant – DeAnn Dillon, and Belmont Markets for all those lemons!
Photos from URI News Bureau and photographer Michael Salerno
| From the evening..... | ||
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Maitraisse de Ceremonies, Claire Lacoste Kapstein |
And some excitement from the audience.. |
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| Scholarships....... | ||
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Yvette Harps-Logan with Aura Breton |
Kate Marcaurele | and Diana Anderson |
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| Margaret Ordonez with Lydia Troiano | and Shey Desillier |
Margaret Ordonez awards the
Linda Welters Travel Abroad scholarship to Casey Wood |
| From the Fashion Show.... | ||
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Stephanie Taylor |
Design by Jennifer Simpson |
Designed and modeled by Jen Hanover, earning her an honorable mention. |
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Sara Baird designs that earned second place |
First place winner Maegan Whitford with her models |
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| Kelly Keogh's designs................................. | and Kelly receiving her honorable mention award | ||
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| Alison van Hemelrijck receiving her third place award | The Spardello's award goes to Leah Jaffe | ||
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The Alumna Hall of Fame. We welcomed... |
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Jennifer Hsiu |
Michelle Jonason | Shala Ranieri |
| Dean Lynn McKinney says "Thanks for support" to.... | ||
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Kerry McKay of McKay's Furniture |
Alain-Philippe Durand of URI's French Program |
and Glenn Palmer, accepting on behalf of Aeropostale |
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